Genesis 25:19-34 NIV - Jacob and Esau - This is the account of - Bible Gateway Genesis 25:19-34New International Version (NIV) Jacob and Esau 19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[ a ] and sister of Laban the Aramean. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.

25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[ b ] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.[ c ] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. 27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[ d ]) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said.

“What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Footnotes: Jacob in the Bible Was Father of the 12 Tribes of Israel By Jack Zavada Updated August 08, 2016. Jacob was one of the great patriarchs of the Old Testament, but at times he was also a schemer, liar, and manipulator. God established his covenant with Jacob's grandfather, Abraham . The blessings continued through Jacob's father, Isaac , then to Jacob and his descendants. Jacob's sons became leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel . The younger of twins, Jacob was born holding on to his brother Esau 's heel. His name means "he grasps the heel" or "he deceives." Jacob lived up to his name. He and his mother Rebekah cheated Esau out of his birthright and blessing.

Later in Jacob's life, God renamed him Israel, which means "he struggles with God." In fact, Jacob struggled with God his entire life, as many of us do. As he matured in faith , Jacob depended on God more and more. But the turning point for Jacob came after a dramatic, all-night wrestling match with God. In the end, the Lord touched Jacob's hip and he was a broken man, but also a new man. From that day forward, Jacob was called Israel. And for the rest of his life he walked with a limp, demonstrating his dependence on the Lord. Jacob finally learned to give up control to God. Jacob's story teaches us how an imperfect person can be greatly blessed by God--not because of who he or she is, but because of who God is. Accomplishments of Jacob in the Bible Jacob in the Bible account fathered 12 sons, who became leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel. One of them was Joseph, a key figure in the Old Testament. His name is frequently associated with God in the Bible: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob persevered in his love for Rachel. He proved to be a hard worker.

Jacob's Strengths Jacob was clever. Sometimes this trait worked for him, and sometimes it backfired on him. He used both his mind and strength to build his wealth and family. Jacob's Weaknesses Sometimes Jacob made his own rules, deceiving others for selfish gain. He did not trust God to work things out. Even though God revealed himself to Jacob in the Bible, Jacob took a long time to become a true servant of the Lord. He favored Joseph over his other sons, leading to jealousy and strife within his family. Life Lessons The sooner we trust God in life, the longer we will benefit from his blessings. When we fight God, we are in a losing battle. We often worry about missing the will of God for our life, but God works with our mistakes and bad decisions. His plans cannot be upset. Hometown Canaan. References to Jacob in the Bible Jacob's story is found in Genesis chapters 25-37, 42, 45-49. His name is mentioned throughout the Bible in connection with God: "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Occupation Shepherd, prosperous owner of sheep and cattle.

Family Tree: Sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Gad, Asher, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali Daughter: Dinah Key Verses Genesis 28:12-15 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the LORD, and he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.

I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." ( NIV ) Genesis 28:20-22 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." (NIV) Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome." (NIV) Esau Site map Esau Esau and Jacob were twins, born to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was the first of the twins to be born. He was covered with red hair, and was called Esau. Some scholars believe that the word Esau means "hairy." Esau became the ancestor of the people of Edom ("red."), which was a country near Israel during ancient times.

Before Esau's birth, the Lord told Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger son ( Genesis 25:23 ). This was an unusual concept in ancient times because the oldest son was regarded as the heir of the father's wealth, power and authority. Esau was born first. But when his twin brother Jacob was being born, Jacob's hand was holding onto Esau's heel. This was taken as a sign that Jacob wanted to be born first. Later in life, Jacob continued to show that he wanted to be his father's heir. One day, Esau returned from an unsuccessful hunting trip and was famished. He saw that Jacob had been cooking food and he asked for a serving. Jacob asked him if he would be willing to sell his rights as the first-born son in exchange for a bowl of food. Esau agreed. ( Genesis 25:29-34 .) Regardless of whether Esau was being serious or flippant in selling off his birthright, Jacob sought to make good on the deal and, with his mother's help, tricked his aging father into giving Jacob the blessing that traditionally would been reserved for the first-born.

After Jacob had gotten the blessing from his father, Esau vowed to kill Jacob. To protect Jacob, his mother arranged for him to live with her relatives in Haran . Jacob lived in Haran for about 20 years, working for his uncle, Laban. When Jacob returned home, his brother, Esau, who now had wealth and a 400-man army, forgave Jacob. Esau married Hittite women, against his parents wishes. He also married two Ishmaelite women. One of them was Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son. After Isaac died, Esau took his wives, his children, his servants and his cattle and moved away from his brother to Mount Seir. In the New Testament passage of Hebrews 12:16, Esau is described as immoral and unreligious. Paul, in Romans 9:10-13, indicates that God had chosen Jacob to be the heir to the promises that he had made to his grandfather, Abraham. Details about Esau can be found in Genesis chapters 25-36.

Next person in the Bible: Esther Jacob and Esau Jacob Stays in Shechem All Scripture relates is that Jacob and Esau began to struggle (Gen. 25:22) with each other inside the womb. The NIV uses the word "jostled". Whatever this meant, it was clearly more than just normal fetal movement. Rebekah felt it intensely, and became concerned about it. Consequently, she "went to inquire of the Lord". Verse 23 provides God's response to Rebekah concerning Jacob and Esau. "And the Lord said unto her, 'Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger." Scripture tells us God knows each individual even before they are conceived. In this instance, God foresaw Jacob would end up being more fit to deliver and transmit "the seed of the woman" to the world than Esau would be. Though they were to be twin brothers, Jacob and Esau would possess very different personalities. THE BIRTH OF JACOB & ESAU The birth of Jacob and Esau involved a physical struggle between the two newborn baby brothers.

" And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob; and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them." The struggle which had begun inside the womb, was carried outside as Jacob and Esau were born. This would foreshadow the struggle which would consume much of their lives. This struggle would also manifest itself in the respective countries of Jacob and Esau; Israel and Edom. The name of each son was indicative of their characteristics. Esau means "red". Esau apparently was a hairy man, and his hair was red. Jacob means "heel grabber". Some scholars have said this implies "supplanter", or, "schemer", of which Jacob surely becomes. The prophet Hosea had this to say about the birth of Jacob. Hosea 12:3 "In the womb he grasped his brother's heel; as a man he struggled with God." Jacob and Esau were very different from the moment of their birth.

Rebekah had already received the prophecy from God that the youngest would rule over the eldest. Scripture does not specify, but it seems logical she would have reported this to Isaac. As the younger Jacob emerged with a grip on Esau's heel, Rebekah and Isaac surely would have been reminded of God's prophecy. The struggle between Jacob and Esau had begun, and would eventually divide the family. THE BIRTHRIGHT The Bible tells us Jacob and Esau grew up very different. Esau is said to have been a "cunning hunter, a man of the field". Whereas, Jacob was said to have been a "plain man, dwelling in tents". Scripture paints a picture of complete opposite personalities, motivations, pursuits, and interests. Esau Esau was an outdoorsman. He lived for the hunt, and enjoyed his game by eating the meat. We are told Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob "because he did eat of his venison". This becomes important as the narrative continues, because it seems to imply Isaac let his appetite get in the way of God's plan. Even though God had prophecied Jacob would rule, Isaac continued to favor Esau, chiefly because of his venison.

Esau was rugged, hairy, a man's man. He was also a fornicator and profane, according to Hebrews 12:16. "See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.". Esau would further distance himself from God's commands by marrying two Canaanite women, described in Genesis 26:34-35. "And when Esau was forty years old he married Judith the daughter of Beerie the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite; and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah." Rebekah further uses this as an excuse to send Jacob away to find a wife from among their own people, as God had ordered Abraham to do. Scripture explicitly states Esau's wives "brought grief" to Isaac and Rebekah. This grief was more than likely twofold; grief over Esau taking from the daughters of Canaan, and grief over the fact these Canaanite women were, in all probability, idolaters. Their influence on Esau would not be good.

Jacob The fundamental difference in the character of Jacob and Esau can be seen in Jacob's description as a "plain" man. The King James Version calls Jacob a "plain man". The NIV calls him a "quiet man". The NASB calls him a "peaceful" man. The actual Hebrew word used in this verse is "Tam". This word was used by God Himself to describe Job's character to Satan in Job 1:8. "Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." The King James translates Job 1:8 as "perfect". Taken in context with this verse, Jacob was much more than a plain, quiet, or even peaceful man. He was a man of God, "blameless and upright". Rebekah favored the reflective and spiritual Jacob. Between Jacob and Esau, Scripture clearly indicates Jacob was more concerned with the affairs of God than was Esau. As Jacob tended the flocks and dwelt amongst the tents, he was likely to have learned to cook, as Esau had with venison.

Jacob is doing just that in Genesis 25:29. Esau runs in "from the field", as Jacob is preparing a pot of stew. A logical assumption is Esau's hunt was unsuccessful, and Scripture says he was "famished", or weary. He asked Jacob for a bit of his stew. Jacob agrees, though only in exchange for Esau's birthright. Esau's flippant answer illuminates his mind set. "Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?" Details are not given as to Esau's condition, yet, the implication is he was "weary", perhaps faint from hunger. Jacob forces Esau to swear the birthright to him. Scripture casually relates Esau "ate and drank, and rose and went on his way". REBEKAH'S PLOT The next passage in Scripture dealing with Jacob and Esau begins in Genesis 27. Isaac was aging, and had lost his vision. He called his eldest and favorite son to him with one last request. Isaac tells Esau to go to the field, kill some game, and prepare it. After the meal, he would bless Esau.

Rebekah overheard the conversation and immediately sent for her favorite son, Jacob. What unfolds between Jacob and Esau is reminiscent of a modern day soap opera. While Esau is out in the field hunting, Jacob and Rebekah are busy preparing some game, apparently from the nearby flocks and herds. Rebekah prepares the venison as Isaac likes it. However, one problem exists which they must improvise for, and hope it's successful if their plan is to work. Jacob and Esau possessed different bodies. Esau was a hairy man, made evident throughout Scripture. Jacob, however, was not. In order to deceives Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah would have to simulate Esau's hairiness. To solve this problem, Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes, to simulate his smell. She then took the "skins of the kids", or goats, and put them on Jacob's skin, and the smooth parts of his neck. Only then does Jacob take the prepared meal into his father. Isaac sensed something was afoot at the sound of Jacob's voice. He ushered Jacob forward, and grabbed his hands, feeling for the thick hair of his eldest son Esau.

"The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau." (Gen. 27:22) With this, the deception is complete. Isaac blesses Jacob in Genesis 27:27-29. Esau arrives back "as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob". When Esau approached his father, Isaac suddenly realized what had happened. Upon this sudden and shocking revelation, Isaac is said to have "trembled very exceedingly". Morris points out Hebrew scholars have translated this phrase as; "Isaac trembled most excessively with a great trembling". The image is vivid. Isaac can offer nothing to Esau but a blessing which may be better characterized as a curse (Gen. 27:39-40). Esau became enraged, and swore to kill Jacob once Isaac had passed (Gen. 27:41). The struggle between Jacob and Esau escalated to a life and death situation. Throughout the ages this incident has been used as fuel for anti-semitism. People have judged Jacob the guilty party, the manipulator and schemer, the liar. Based on the initial reading, this sentiment seems justified.

JACOB FLED NORTHWARD TO MESOPOTAMIA AFTER ESAU DISCOVERED THE DECEPTION. However, one should keep in mind that Jacob is never accused by God one time throughout all of the narrative. God had, after all, confirmed to Rebekah Jacob would be the promised son. It was Isaac's job, as head of the Beth-ab, to see to God's will being done. He had failed to transmit God's wishes to his children regarding the birthright. Jacob and Rebekah thus felt impelled to take matters into their own hands. Perhaps, Jacob's sin lie in he was not faithful to allow God to work. Study Resource Bert Dicou focuses on the theme of Edom in the Old Testament in his book Edom, Israel's Brother And Antagonist . Four long oracles are found in the Old Testament concerning Edom, the descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob. Edom became one of Israel's most bitter enemies, constantly at odds with the Israelites from whom they were related. Dicou brings to life the role of Edom in the Old Testament, and the origin and evolution of Edom's exceptional role!

Click on the link below to visit Barnesandnoble.com and learn about Edom, Israel's Brother And Antagonist! Edom, Israel's Brother and Antagonist JACOB'S FLIGHT Rebekah hears of Esau's curse through an unnamed source. Interestingly, her initial plan called for Jacob fleeing to her brother Laban for only a "few days, until your brother's fury subsides". Little did they both know it would be a twenty year stay. She urged Isaac to send Jacob away to find a wife among their people, as Abraham had done for him. She complained once more of Esau's wives, perhaps to lessen Jacob's guilt. Isaac blesses Jacob, and sends him on his way. "Then Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau.". Interestingly, Aramean blood ran strong in Jacob and Esau. The Hebrews and Arameans shared many close characteristics, including similarity of language. Jacob was called a "wandering Aramean" in Deuteronomy 26:5.

The ties between these two people, as well as those in ancient Mesopotamia, are made clear throughout Scripture. The current conflict should take notice of their extremely close ancestrial ties. Common ground is not as far away as people may think. At the time of this incident, Isaac and family were living in Beer-sheba. As Jacob left his family behind Scripture records he "set out for Haran". From Beersheba the logical route would have led him northward, towards Jerusalem . The route would have been well known by the Patriarchal family by this time. Quite possibly Jacob proceeded northward along the Central Ridge Route. Scripture is vague about the specifics regarding his journey. Jacob left in a hurry, to flee his brother Esau. Jacob and Esau would not see each other for a very long time. "When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep." Upon falling a sleep, Jacob has a remarkable dream. Jacob's various encounters with God are further proof of the difference in character between Jacob and Esau. Scripture does not record one instance of Esau receiving a vision.

This dream of Jacob's has come to be known as "Jacob's Ladder". Jacob's vision is described in Genesis 28:12. "He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it." At the top of the stairway stood God. He then gives Jacob the same promise He had given to both his father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham (28:13-15). The Hebrew word from which "ladder" has been translated is "Sullam". Though this is the only occurrence of the word in the Bible, the corresponding verb, "salal", means "to heap up". The implication is somewhat akin to steps, or a ramp of somekind. Perhaps a more accurate image is that of the Babylonian stepped ziggurats. These temples would have been well known to the Babylonian Jewish writers of the Exile period. Regardless of the form of Jacob's dream, upon awakening, he immediately recognizes the place as holy, and names it Bethel, which translates as "House of God".

He commemorates the dream by erecting a stone pillar, similar to the ancient Stele (click to view Israel Stele). Many scholars argue this spot was the very same spot Abraham had offered up Isaac, and would eventually become the sacred spot of the Temple built by Solomon. Scripture indicates Jacob renamed the city Bethel, "thought the city used to be called Luz." The city of Bethel is 11 miles north of Jerusalem. If Jacob did travel along the route it is widely agreed upon he would have traveled, he would have crossed the Jordan south of Bethel, passing through Jericho. From Jerusalem, he would have proceeded east to Jericho. The route to Heshbon from Jericho would have connected Jacob to The Kings Highway, running north to south east of the Jordan. Thus, it would not seem logical for Jacob to have traveled 11 miles north, only to backtrack. This may strengthen the argument of those that feel his vision took place on what would become the Temple Mount. Indeed, many of Scripture's holiest encounters have taken place on this mountain. The journey to Haran would have taken close to 560 miles.

Moving at an average of 15 miles a day, the speed at which scholars estimate ancient travel, the journey would have taken over 37 days. The paths of Jacob and Esau had diverged significantly. Jacob had left Canaan altogether. Meanwhile, Esau was busy with his own life. Esau After Jacob had left, Esau takes notice of his brother's obedience (Gen. 28:6-7). Scripture reveals Esau came to the realization how "displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac". In an attempt to rectify matters somewhat, he married Mahalath, "sister to Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham." Esau sought to gain favor by marrying within the family, something he should have done in the first place. He migrates to the red Nubian sandstone region southeast of Beersheba and laid down roots. Esau would establish his kingdom in this region southeast of the Dead Sea This mountainous region was known as Edom, indicative of the red colored sandstone which dominated the region.

Scripture also refers to this area as Seir in Genesis 32:3 The Nabateans would later carve out the rock city of Petra from the Nubian sandstone. Esau and his descendants became known as the Edomites, and built their cities in the rugged mountains overlooking the Arabah. Teman and Bozrah were strong mountain fortresses, which overlooked and threatened to control routes through the Arabah. Edom became a fierce enemy of Israel. Their control of the mountainous region threatened Judah's control over the Arabah, and the routes which led to Solomon's port city, Ezion-geber. David would later conquer Edom, and station troops in the land. The Edomites received damning curses for their role in Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of Jerusalem. Obadiah 10-14 "Your warriors, O Teman, will be terrified, and everyone in Esau's mountains will be cut down in the slaughter." The Bible makes it evident the descendants of Jacob and Esau were to suffer very different fates. Jacob fled to Haran, where he stayed with Laban for the next twenty years. It was in Haran eleven of Jacob's sons were born.

Laban manipulated and deceived Jacob into working for him for 14 years, in exchange for his daughters Rachel and Leah. Laban's first deception involved tricking Jacob into marrying Leah, when Jacob thought he was marrying Rachel. Scripture later indicates Laban also changed Jacob's wages ten times. It would be another six years before Jacob would leave Laban suddenly, and without warning. Jacob had become so prosperous, Laban and his sons had become suspicious. Scripture indicates Jacob felt threatened by Laban's change of nature. God came to Jacob in Genesis 31:3 , and urged him to depart at once; "to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you." Before Jacob and Esau were to reunite, Jacob had to thwart off Laban. Laban and his sons had pursued Jacob, and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. After a warning from God, Laban sought a peace treaty with Jacob. The two consummated their agreement in Mizpah-Gilead. It was now time to face his brother. A new chapter in the life of Jacob and Esau was about to begin.

The story of the reunion between Jacob and Esau takes place in Genesis 32. JACOB AND ESAU REUNITE Chapter 32 opens up with Jacob and Laban going their separate ways, at peace with each other after their pact. As Jacob moves his camp closer towards Canaan, Scripture reports "the angels of God met him". God obviously felt the need to further strengthen and encourage His faithful servant. Jacob claims the place as "the camp of God", and names it Manaheim, which translates as such. From there, he sent messengers ahead to Esau. Jacob and Esau had not seen each other in twenty years. Jacob wanted to entreat Esau with messages of peace and offerings of gifts to soften the anger Esau surely felt. The messengers seem to have met Esau on the road. Scripture implies Esau had heard of Jacob's return, and had moved out northward from Edom. They report back quickly to Jacob, and inform him Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men. This is a testament to the wealth and might of Esau. He had prospered greatly as well during their separation. Jacob responded in verse 7 with "great fear and distress".

In an attempt to spare the lives of his household, he divides the camp into two groups. He then selects 580 animals, consisting of goats, sheep, cattle, camels, and asses. He divides these into five waves, and spaces each drove out at different intervals. The intent is to flood Esau with gifts, in different stages, as he approaches Esau. Jacob shows his cleverness again in this tactic. He hopes to lessen the blunt of Esau's wrath, and hopefully turn Esau from murderous intent. After Jacob separates the animals for Esau, he takes his two camps and crosses the Jabbok River. It is likely Jacob would have approached the river from the north, thus, he took his family across to the southern banks of the Jabbok. The exact details are not given. Scripture seems to imply Jacob then crossed back to the other side of the river, where he spent the night alone in prayer. It was in this spot which Jacob would receive his new name. Genesis 32:24-32 "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, 'Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." Israel was the new name of Jacob, and was to be the name of his descendants until the end of time. The name Israel is a combination of two words; Yisra, which means "persevere with God", and the divine name "El". Yisrael became translated Israel, from which the term Israelite came to represent members within the 12 tribes of Israel. God had allowed Jacob/Israel to prevail in their struggle no doubt to boost his confidence. Jacob and Esau were to face each other the next day. To commemorate the experience, Jacob named the place Peniel, or, Penuel. This translates as "The Face of God".

Jacob had little time to celebrate the occasion, as the very next verse indicates "Jacob looked up and their was Esau, coming with his four hundred men". Jacob immediately set his camp behind him, as he would be the first to encounter Esau. Jacob set the maidservants and their children in the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. Jacob then went on ahead, bowing down seven times before the feet of Esau. "But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.". After twenty years of separation, Jacob and Esau embraced, setting aside all their past difficulties, grudges, jealousies, and misdeeds. The two brothers were united under the loving embrace and supervision of the God of their fathers. As Ishmael and Isaac had made amends, so Jacob and Esau had as well. Jacob's household then presents themselves to Esau, overcome with the prosperity of his younger brother. Esau then questions as to the gifts Jacob had sent, and urged him to take them back. "I already have plenty, my brother.

Keep what you have for yourself." Jacob urgently requested Esau to accept the gifts, which Esau reluctantly does. Jacob and Esau had come full circle, and the Lord had seen to every step of the journey. After what was sure to have been a long talk, full of laughs and tears, the two brothers parted company once again. This time, though, the time between meetings would be much less. Scripture indicates Esau headed back to Seir, or Edom. Jacob continues westward, towards Canaan. Just east of the Jordan River Jacob halted his clan. Scripture describes him as building a place for himself, and shelters for his livestock. Accordingly, he named the place Succoth, which translates as "Shelters". He stayed here for an unspecified amount of time. The contextual evidence seems to suggest it was not a very long time. Verse 18 describes how Jacob crossed the Jordan, and camped within eyesight of the city of Shechem. Perhaps Jacob encamped near the very same spot his grandfather Abraham had decades earlier, upon his arrival into Canaan. The story of Jacob and Esau closes with Jacob purchasing a field near Shechem from the sons of Hamor.

What had began as a struggle out of the womb, had culminated in Jacob and Esau making amends decades later. The narrative comes to a close in Genesis 35:27-29. "Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba, where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaaac lived a hundred and eighty years. Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him." The story of Jacob and Esau remains one of the most beloved stories of the Old Testament. Through the triumphs and shortcomings of these twin brothers, God demonstrated His faithfulness, and bestowed His blessing on both Jacob and Esau. Their descendants, however, would not remain as close. Israel and Edom were to square off many times over the following centuries, with David eventually conquering them. The Edomites eventually faded into history, meanwhile, the Israelites continue to make history.

Genesis 28:5 Then Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau. Now Jacob fled to the land of Aram, And Israel worked for a wife, And for a wife he kept sheep. Treasury of Scripture And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother. sent away Jacob. Whoever observes Jacob's life, after he had surreptitiously obtained his father's blessing, will perceive that he enjoyed very little worldly felicity. His brother purposed to murder him, to avoid which he was forced to flee from his father's house; his uncle Laban deceived him, as he had deceived his father, and treated him with great rigour; after a servitude of Padan-aram.

See Genesis 28:2 Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel your mother's father… Jump to Previous Aram Aramaean Aramean Bethuel Bethu'el Esau Esau's Isaac Jacob Jacob's Laban Mother Padanaram Padan-Aram Paddan Paddan-Aram Rebecca Rebekah Rebekah's Syrian Way Jump to Next God Hated Esau Home > Index > Calvinism > God Hated Esau God Hated Esau “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. “ – Romans 9:13 The Bible says twice that God hated Esau. God never hates without a cause. There must be a reason that God hated Esau, and it was not because of some eternal decree of reprobation. The key to understanding this verse is found in the many prophetic references that deal with Esau and his house. Before They Were Born A slipshod reading of Romans 9:10-13 has confused many into thinking that God always hated Esau. Not true.

Romans 9:11 says that God’s purpose through Israel was declared before the children were born, not his hatred. “ For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth” – Rom 9:11 God did not hate Esau before he was born. It was God’s choice to keep his promise to Abraham through Jacob that was before their birth. Not only so, but his purpose was not kept secret in some mysterious eternal decree, but revealed to Rebecca. Read Romans 9:10 and 11 in conjunction without the intervening explanation of God’s choice. “ when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.” – Rom 9:10, Rom9:12 This revelation from God was given verbally to Rebecca in Gen 25:22-23. She knew before they were born that the elder would serve the younger. This was not a prophecy of hate or a curse.

If Esau would bless Jacob, then Esau would be blessed according to the promise (Gen 12:3). When God Hated Esau God did not hate Esau at his birth. Neither did God say he hated Esau while he was yet alive. It was not until both Jacob and Esau were both dead that the house of Esau (not the head) invoked God’s hatred. Obadiah is the longest prophecy against Edom (which is the house of Esau Gen 36:1, 43). It gives a prophecy of God’s curse against Edom and explains why God hated the house of Esau. “For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.” – Obadiah 1:10 This refers not to any violence Esau did to Jacob personally while they were alive, but to the violence done to Jacob’s house, Israel, by Esau’s house, Edom, after both Jacob and Esau were long dead.

“In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them.” – Obadiah 1:11 Rom 9:13 is a direct quote of Malachi 1:2-3. “I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.” – Mal 1:2-3 Malachi was the last prophet before John the Baptist came to Israel. Malachi prophesied hundreds of years after the lives of Jacob and Esau. Both Obadiah and Malachi look back at the multiple times Edom led the confederate attack against Israel to totally destroy them. They could not destroy them entirely, because of God’s protective hand over his people, but there was no mercy promised to Edom. God hated Esau, because Esau (in the Edomites) hated God and his divine purposes through Israel.

God Loved Jacob However, despite their sins against Him, God had already given Jacob a promise that he would be blessed (Gen 26:2-5). Consequently, God could not subject Israel to the same perpetual curse as Esau for their sins. When Israel opposed God who had blessed them Malachi prophesies a stern rebuke and warning, but God could never destroy them from the earth if he was to be true to his promise. For this reason, God chose to love Jacob’s house because of his promise, and extended mercy after mercy to them. Psalm 136 praises God’s mercy to Israel because he keeps his promises. It is not unrighteous for God to show more mercy to one nation than another (Rom 9:14-15). God’s love is always manifested by His own righteous choices, but His hatred is always in response to our sinful choices. God loved Jacob (Israel) by promise, and hated Edom (which is Esau) for their violent opposition to God’s purposes on the earth.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Genesis 27 NLT - Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing - One - Bible Gateway Genesis 27New Living Translation (NLT) Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing 27 One day when Isaac was old and turning blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and said, “My son.” “Yes, Father?” Esau replied. 2 “I am an old man now,” Isaac said, “and I don’t know when I may die. 3 Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat. Then I will pronounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn son, before I die.” 5 But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game, 6 she said to her son Jacob, “Listen.

I overheard your father say to Esau, 7 ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you. 9 Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish. 10 Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.” 11 “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth. 12 What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.” 13 But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!” 14 So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it.

15 Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob. 16 She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats. 17 Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread. 18 So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?” 19 Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.” 20 Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied. 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.” 22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said. 23 But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s.

So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob. 24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied. 25 Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. 26 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.” 27 So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the Lord has blessed! 28 “From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. 29 May many nations become your servants, and may they bow down to you. May you be the master over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.

All who curse you will be cursed, and all who bless you will be blessed.” 30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau returned from his hunt. 31 Esau prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, “Sit up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give me your blessing.” 32 But Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” Esau replied, “It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.” 33 Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, “Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And yes, that blessing must stand!” 34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged. 35 But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me.

He has taken away your blessing.” 36 Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice.[ a ] First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?” 37 Isaac said to Esau, “I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine—what is left for me to give you, my son?” 38 Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept. 39 Finally, his father, Isaac, said to him, “You will live away from the richness of the earth, and away from the dew of the heaven above. 40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” Jacob Flees to Paddan-Aram 41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing.

And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.” 42 But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. 43 So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran. 44 Stay there with him until your brother cools off. 45 When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?” 46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.” Footnotes: Jacob and Esau - Jewish History Jewish History Jacob Receives Isaac’s Blessing Birth of the Twins Twenty years had passed since Isaac’s and Rebecca’s marriage, but as yet, they had not been blessed with children. Finally, G‑d answered Isaac’s prayers, and Rebecca gave birth to twins. The first child to be born was covered with hair like a fully grown person.

His parents called him Esau (from the Hebrew word “osso” -- finish). The second child followed Esau, holding on to his brother’s heel, and Isaac called him Jacob (Yaakov, “One that takes by the heel”). Jacob and Esau Grow Up Although the children were twins and grew up together, they displayed a difference in character. Jacob spent all his time at home, engaged in study with his father and grandfather Abraham. Esau, however, resorted to countless tricks to avoid studying, and spent most of his time in the fields. He enjoyed hunting and killing, and was often absent from his home for many days. Abraham’s Death Abraham lived to a ripe and happy old age, and died at the age of one hundred and seventy-five. His sons, Isaac and Ishmael, buried him in the Cave of Machpelah. Esau Kills Nimrod On the day of Abraham’s death, Esau had been out in the fields as usual. He had lost his way and was trying to find his way back, when King Nimrod arrived with two servants.

Esau hid behind a rock, and when Nimrod was left unguarded, he killed him and fought the two servants who rushed to the aid of their master. Esau escaped with King Nimrod’s clothes. These were Adam’s garments which later became the property of Noah; Noah’s son Ham, who was Nimrod’s grandfather, had subsequently become their owner, and finally Nimrod had acquired them. These divine clothes had made Nimrod a powerful and skillful hunter and a mighty ruler over all other kings. Now Esau had come into possession of the most valuable and cherished property a hunter could desire. Jacob Buys the Birthright The birthright was a sacred privilege enjoyed by the first-born son. This privilege made the first-born the real heir and successor to his father, as the head of the family. Isaac’s first-born son was to be devoted to the service of G‑d and to the sacred traditions of the family. But in the case of Esau, it soon became apparent that he was not the one to fulfill this sacred duty. Esau did not wish to shoulder this responsibility, preferring a happy and carefree life as a hunter and man of the fields. Jacob, on the other hand, seemed the ideal inheritor and successor.

The day that Esau returned from that fateful hunting trip, his clothes still covered with the spatter of mud and blood, Jacob rebuked him for neglecting his holy duty as first-born. Esau, however, ridiculed Jacob and spoke very mockingly of the birthright. Jacob was shocked to hear such abuse of, and disrespect towards, the sacred privilege of the first-born, and proposed to buy the birthright from Esau who willingly agreed to make the deal. Thus Jacob came into the possession of something he cherished more than all the treasures of the world. Isaac Goes To Philistina After Abraham’s death, famine again swept over the land of Canaan. Isaac wanted to follow the example of his father Abraham and go to Egypt. However, G‑d ordered him never to leave the land that had been promised to his father and to him, and Isaac traveled down only to the land of the Philistines. Isaac took the same precaution his father had taken when he sojourned among the Philistines. He said that Rebecca was not his wife, but his sister. King Abimelech desired to marry Rebecca, for she was the fairest woman he had ever seen.

But when he found out that Rebecca was really Isaac’s wife, he was afraid to touch her or Isaac. When Isaac grew very prosperous, the Philistines became envious and requested him to leave. Isaac went to Beer Sheba, where his father Abraham had dwelt. Soon after, Abimelech paid Isaac a friendly visit, desiring to make up for his former unfriendly act. Abimelech asked Isaac to make a treaty of peace with him. This Isaac did, and Abimelech returned to his land.

Question: According to the Bible who was the mother of Esau and Jacob?
Answer: Rebekah